The House just bet on tort reform. When will they ever learn?
By
John O'Connor
Jul 05, 2017
The long-term care field quickly embraced last week’s House vote to enact some long-overdue tort reform. That’s not so surprising, but don’t get too carried away just yet, is my advice.
Don’t like the new ratings system? Welcome to our world
By
John O'Connor
Jun 19, 2017
The content in the angry letter sounded all-too familiar. “Flawed methodology” and “substantive errors” in CMS’s “chosen methodology.” Another nursing home organization...
Of arbitration victories and payback
By
John O'Connor
Jun 12, 2017
In a year already chock full of regulatory victories, last week’s development about arbitration clauses might turn out to be the best of the bunch. But …
Involuntary discharges could lead to a fine mess
By
John O'Connor
Jun 05, 2017
Operators might want to keep an eye on new involuntary discharge legislation under consideration in Illinois.
Don’t overlook this new mandate in the PBJ manual
By
John O'Connor
Apr 24, 2017
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services inserted an important new requirement in the latest version of its Payroll-Based Journal manual. It’s one of those innocent-looking provisions that are...
A farewell to Medicaid?
By
John O'Connor
Apr 05, 2017
If there is one sector that proves the adage about incentives driving behavior, it’s skilled care.
For long-term care operators, there’s no time for a pity party
By
John O'Connor
Mar 27, 2017
Skilled care operators have their work cut out for themselves. But I have to say I’m feeling better about the sector’s prospects after spending some time at last week’s NIC Spring Investment...
Don’t be worried about Medicaid funding cuts — be very afraid
By
John O'Connor
Mar 13, 2017
The long-term care industry’s worst fears about what a Trump healthcare plan might contain have not just been met after last week’s unveiling, they have been far exceeded.
It’s not just charity that should begin at home
By
John O'Connor
Feb 27, 2017
Long-term care operators tend to be a nervous lot. Rightfully so.
Getting to the teeth of the matter
By
John O'Connor
Jan 30, 2017
“I have a bone to pick with you,” proclaimed the indignant voice on the other line. In my experience, conversations that begin with that invitation seldom go well.